Dear Lila:

A self defense class is an excellent idea, you have to have a plan as you walk at night through campus, as you walk home, to defend yourself if needed. Be aware and awake as you walk alone, pay attention to what is in front of you, in the back of you, on your sides, listen and have a plan for what-to-do if this or that happens.

To withstand your stress, the “Academic pressures and other anxieties” beyond the above suggestion, minimize associating with anyone who distresses you, or drains your energy, as you mentioned. When distressed, do only what you need to do, one “manageable chunk” at a time.

anita